Melbourne Stars coach Peter Moores has publicly defended his team's controversial use of star all-rounder Glenn Maxwell during their rain-disrupted Big Bash League elimination final defeat to the Hobart Hurricanes. The thrilling match, which ended in a heartbreaking three-run loss for the Stars, has sparked significant debate around tactical decisions and competition rules.
A Rain-Affected Thriller at Ninja Stadium
The dramatic encounter unfolded on Wednesday night at Melbourne's Ninja Stadium, where the Stars fell agonisingly short of their revised Duckworth-Lewis-Stern target. Originally scheduled as a 10-overs-per-side contest after rain interruptions, the Hurricanes posted 5-114 before further weather intervention dramatically altered the equation.
When play resumed after another delay, the Stars' victory target was adjusted to 85 runs from just seven overs, completely changing the tactical landscape of the run chase. This adjustment proved particularly costly as it eliminated the Stars' ability to utilise their power surge over, a strategic fielding restriction that could have significantly impacted the final outcome.
Maxwell's Frustrating Innings
Batting at number five in the order, master blaster Glenn Maxwell faced only four deliveries throughout the entire innings. The struggling superstar entered the fray with just 11 deliveries remaining when the Stars made the bold decision to retire player-of-the-tournament Sam Harper, but found himself stranded at the non-striker's end during the crucial final over.
Commentators Jason Richardson and Brad Hodge highlighted Maxwell's predicament during the Channel 7 broadcast, with Hodge noting "He hasn't done much this year at all. He's only scored 60-dd runs for the Melbourne Stars. The problem is Glenn Maxwell is parked at the other end, he can't get access."
The situation became particularly tense when Marcus Stoinis was dismissed with 19 runs required from just five deliveries, bringing the struggling Hilton Cartwright to the crease. Cartwright managed to strike two boundaries and a six but could only manage a single from the final ball, leaving Maxwell watching helplessly from the other end.
Moores Justifies Tactical Decisions
Coach Peter Moores stood firmly behind his team's selection and batting order decisions, explaining that the original plan made perfect sense for a 10-over contest. "We sent out two lads who have played really well ... to send them out for the two overs of power play made complete sense," Moores stated.
"Joe Clarke is an opener as well. We lost an early one in Tommy and (sent out) Joe and then obviously the rain came. Marcus (Stoinis) was next and Maxi (Glenn Maxwell) after that. You're making decisions as the game evolves. I think we made the right calls."
Calling for Power Surge Rule Review
Moores raised important questions about the power surge rule's application in rain-affected matches, suggesting cricket authorities should consider adopting approaches used in English competitions. "It makes a difference in a short game," the experienced coach emphasised, pointing to systems where fielding restrictions in reduced-overs games are calculated as percentages and can sometimes apply to portions of an over.
"It seems to make sense. It's quite simple to do. We've done that over in England for a bit. Maybe it's something but we play to the rules of each competition and we've got no complaints about it."
A Brutal Season Conclusion
The elimination final defeat marked a particularly painful end to the season for the Melbourne Stars, who remain the only BBL franchise yet to claim a championship title. The loss was especially galling considering the Stars had controlled their destiny heading into the finals series.
"We'll look back on a tournament where a lot of people played well. The frustration is that I think we were playing well enough to win it," Moores reflected. "If it didn't hurt you, you wouldn't be human in some way. We'll take it on the chin and we'll move on."
The Stars had positioned themselves for a top-spot finish and home final advantage, needing only to defeat the Perth Scorchers in their final regular season match. That missed opportunity, combined with Wednesday night's rain-affected defeat, has left the franchise and its supporters contemplating what might have been in another season of near misses.
